How to Build a Green Doghouse

Highlights:

Step 1: Watch an Overview Video

Step 2: Create the Base

An old wood pallet makes a perfect base. Not only is it sturdy, you’ll help reduce waste in our overburdened landfill. Try building with composite lumber, made of sawdust and recycled plastics. It’s more durable than pressure-treated lumber and contains no toxic chemicals that could harm you pet. Most composite wood/lumber products consist of 50/50 mix of wood fibers, made from recovered saw dust and waste plastics, such as PVD.

Step 3: Lay a Floor

A layer of bricks make a smooth floor that’s cool in the summer. For the roof, eco-friendly shake roof tiles, made from recycled tires, provide a great insulation barrier. Eco-friendly shake rubber roof tiles look like the real thing, but are considerably lighter than conventional shingles. They’re made with 100% recycled materials and carry warranties for as long as 50 years.

When you're ready to paint, look for low VOC products. They’re made with fewer solvents which can produce smog. Low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint is specially formulated to have lower levels of smog-producing pollutants. They’re also low in odor and resistant to mildew.